Delma Jahnke

For God so loved the world that he gave his only

begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish, but have everlasting life.

---John 3:16

Delma M. Elizabeth Jahnke, age 99, of Wausau entered into Eternal Life with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 2, 2020 at Benedictine Living Community under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. She was born on March 7, 1921 in Rib Falls, the daughter of the late Reinhold and Malvina (Steidinger) Buchholz. Delma was baptized April 5, 1921 and confirmed in the Christian faith on May 20, 1934 by Reverend Theodore Nagler. On June 2, 1943 she married Mynard Jahnke at the Rib Falls Methodist Church. They resided in Marathon City from 1952 till 1984. Mynard preceded her in death on January 28, 1989.

As well as raising her four children, Delma worked at the Pauly Cheese Company (a division of Swift & Co.) for 27 years, retiring in 1984. She and her husband, Mynard, then moved Up North to their home on Blue Lake in Minocqua, Wisconsin. While there, she worked for a couple seasons at the Diamond Inn. Delma loved to watch the birds come to their numerous feeders, the deer crossing the lawn and the squirrels jumping from tree to tree, gathering food for the winter. She loved the outdoors, the blue sky, green grass and all the lakes and flowers – and especially loved working in her gardens. Her talent of embroidery was apparent in all the dishtowels and pillowcases she made for her family. She also was a fantastic cook and made the best desserts.

Delma was a humble, God-fearing woman of strong faith. She was a member of the Rib Falls United Methodist Church and attended Bible Study Classes. She enjoyed the travelogues at the Grand Theatre in Wausau and was fortunate to visit her cousin in Texas and take family trips to Yellowstone National Park, Mackinac Island, Canada, the Pennsylvania Amish Country, and a special trip to Durango, Colorado. She especially enjoyed a Caribbean cruise with her dear friend, Harold Radke, as well as a 1994 Branson Christmas tour with relatives.

Delma is survived by her children: Roxanne (Mike) Denfeld, Ringle; Barbara Jahnke Dotson, Wausau; Vernon (Kathy) Jahnke, Durango, CO; and very-special family friend Sharlene Hieronimus, Wausau; as well as her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mynard; son and daughter-in-law, Darrell (Victoria) Jahnke; sister, Florence (Ervin) Haehlke; and brother, Davey Lee Buchholz.

She had a heart of gold; truly a one-of-a-kind person that will be dearly missed, but lovingly remembered in the hearts of her family. “Thank you, Mom, for the wonderful life you have given us.”

The family of Delma wishes to thank Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services for their help with their mom along with the staff at Benedictine Living Community of Wausau.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00, Thursday, July 16, 2020 at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce Street, Wausau. Visitation will begin at 10:00 until the time of service. Because we care about family and friends, facemasks are recommended and social distancing will be observed. Seating during the service will be limited by household social distancing. Burial will follow at Rib Falls United Methodist Church where Delma’s mortal body will be laid to rest, there to await the resurrection of the dead on the Last Day.

Treasure her, Lord, in your garden of rest. For here on earth, She Was The Best!